Volvo announces it will stop producing purely petrol or diesel powered cars by 2019

Volvo announced that from 2019, all new models will have electric motors, marking a shift from traditional combustion engines. While not fully electric, Volvo will focus on hybrids and continue existing petrol and diesel models. This move signals a broader industry trend towards electrification, driven by consumer demand and EU emission regulations. Despite increased electric car sales, challenges remain, particularly in charging infrastructure, which needs significant improvement to support widespread adoption.

What is the significance of the phrase 'a signal really of a long technological shift to electric' in the context of the automotive industry?

According to the text, what factors are influencing carmakers to embrace electric vehicles?